CBI Arrests Munitions India Official, SMPP CEO in Defence Information Leak Case

The CBI has arrested a senior official of state-run Munitions India Limited (MIL), his brother and the chief executive officer of ammunition manufacturer SMPP Limited in an alleged bribery and sensitive defence information leak case linked to a Rs 500 crore ammunition supply contract, officials said on Wednesday.

The agency registered the case on Monday against MIL Executive Director Anil Kumar, alleging that he accepted illegal gratification from private contractors and vendors in exchange for extending official favours and disclosing confidential information relating to defence production, procurement and other strategically important activities.

Besides Kumar, the CBI arrested his brother B Harshavardhan and SMPP CEO and promoter-director Ashish Kansal in connection with the alleged conspiracy.

According to the agency, Kansal maintained regular contact with Kumar over a period of one year regarding a Rs 500 crore contract awarded to SMPP for supplying ammunition to MIL. SMPP employee Ravit Kumar Tewatia was also allegedly in contact with the official in connection with the matter. The CBI has warned that unauthorised disclosure of such information could jeopardise the country's strategic and security interests, undermine the integrity of defence procurement processes and pose risks to national security and public safety.

During searches at the accused official's premises in Pune, the agency recovered Rs 1.73 crore in cash, a CBI spokesperson said. Subsequent searches at premises in Mysuru, Bengaluru and Delhi led to the recovery of approximately Rs 50 lakh in cash and documents considered incriminating by investigators.

The FIR further alleges that Kumar routed and concealed a substantial portion of the alleged illegal proceeds through his wife and brother. Both have been named in the case, with the agency accusing them of helping conceal and retain the money.

The investigation is continuing to establish the extent of the alleged bribery, the handling of confidential defence information and the role of the accused in the suspected conspiracy.

There was no immediate response from SMPP to the developments. The allegations against the accused are yet to be established in court.